Minnesota Invades Green Bay for Critical NFC North Matchup

2. Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Sunday, 8:20 pm

Will the Vikings conquer Green Bay?

I don’t think there is a single NFL prognosticator out there who predicted that these two teams would be a combined 5-6 when they met in week seven. I certainly did not. I expected the Packers to get out to a fast 5-1 start. Instead they are just .500 and have already suffered enough injuries to potentially keep them out of Super Bowl contention in the NFC.

Minnesota’s offense has sputtered, in large part due to the Sidney Rice injury and Brett Favre’s refusal to join the team in training camp. The trade for Randy Moss certainly gives a boost to the offense but have they already dug themselves a hole that they will never be able to get out of?

The Vikings win if: Their pass rush can get to Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay should struggle when they try to run the ball so it’s up to Minnesota’s front four to get to Rodgers and slow the passing game.

The Packers win if: They can hold Adrian Peterson to short gains on first down. They need to put Favre at seven, eight or nine yard distances on third down and force him to gamble more.

A big key for Green Bay will be who is able to fight through the injuries and play. In their loss to Miami last week they proved that they have a really hard time getting pressure on the passer without Clay Mathews. The Packers need him to play against the Vikings. But even if he does I’m picking Minnesota to claim the victory. Their defense has proven to be opportunistic and I think Favre will find some magic in what should be his last game at Lambeau.

Who do you like in this game? Do you agree with my analysis? Let me know in the comments section below.